Hadith #5462

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Inhibiting lust and anger is the struggle of the noble ones.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the importance of self-control and the inner struggle against our base desires. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the word "shahwa" which is translated as "lust" in this Hadith. Shahwa refers to the intense desire or craving for something, particularly when it comes to fulfilling one's physical desires. It encompasses various aspects such as sexual desires, gluttony, and materialistic cravings. The word "ghadab" which is translated as "anger" refers to the state of being provoked or enraged.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of controlling our desires and anger. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (3:133-134)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good

This verse highlights the significance of restraining anger and forgiving others, which aligns with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, Allah describes the qualities of the servants of the Most Merciful, stating, (25:72-75)

And [they are] those who do not testify to falsehood, and when they pass near ill speech, they pass by with dignity. And those who, when reminded of the verses of their Lord, do not fall upon them deaf and blind. And those who say, 'Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.' Those will be awarded the Chamber for what they patiently endured, and they will be received therein with greetings and [words of] peace

This passage highlights the importance of controlling one's desires and emotions. The believers are described as those who do not engage in falsehood, who avoid indulging in negative speech, and who remain attentive and receptive to the verses of Allah. They seek comfort and tranquility in their families and strive to be examples of righteousness. These qualities reflect the struggle against lust and anger, as mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The struggle against lust and anger is not an easy one. It requires constant self-reflection, discipline, and a deep understanding of the consequences of our actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, recognized the significance of this struggle. By inhibiting our lustful desires, we can avoid falling into sinful acts such as adultery, fornication, and excessive consumption. By restraining our anger, we can prevent ourselves from engaging in harmful behaviors and damaging relationships.

The consequences of unchecked lust and anger are evident in both personal and societal contexts. Uncontrolled desires can lead to the destruction of families, the spread of immorality, and the erosion of one's spiritual well-being. Uncontrolled anger can result in violence, injustice, and the breakdown of social harmony. Therefore, the struggle against these base desires is not only a personal endeavor but also a means to establish a just and virtuous society.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the noble qualities that we should strive to embody as Muslims. By inhibiting our lust and anger, we elevate ourselves to a higher level of spirituality and righteousness. We become individuals who are in control of our desires rather than being controlled by them. This struggle is not limited to a specific group of people but is the endeavor of all noble individuals, regardless of their social status or background.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of inhibiting lust and anger, highlighting it as the struggle of the noble ones. This struggle is rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the need for self-control and the consequences of unchecked desires and anger. By reflecting on this Hadith and aligning our actions with its teachings, we can strive to become individuals who are in control of our base desires and emotions, ultimately leading to personal growth and the establishment of a just society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our inner struggles and become among the noble ones.